October 29, 2026 -- Day Twenty-nine of Joy: Philippians 2:25-30

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Philippians 2:25-30 ESV
 
A man, Epaphroditus, nearly died in his service to Jesus as he ministered to Paul’s needs and served the Philippians church. How does this result in joy? Great question and an important question.

  • First, when a brother or a sister serves Jesus, such a one denies himself. He must serve in good times and in hard times, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty. His life is not his own, it is a tribute of thanksgiving to Jesus.

  • Second, his example of devotion is an inspiration, so that lazy Christians are stirred up to new acts of obedience.

  • Third, when one serves, it is an honour to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus.

  • Fourth, such dedication to Jesus and loyal service to Paul and the Philippians shows the depths of community and love that can exist between believers when they give themselves completely to Jesus.

  • Finally, when we serve Jesus, we do not know if our lives will be poured out unto death (which is what Paul alluded to in Philippians 2:17). When a man, like Epaphroditus is spared, it is a blessing to celebrate his work for Jesus and to receive him with joy and to honour him. Ultimately any suffering we endure for Jesus verifies to our own souls the truth of Jesus’ goodness. Such suffering purifies the believer from worldliness. Suffering is a sign as well that Jesus’ return is nearer than ever. No wonder such suffering leads others to a place of deep emotional and spiritual joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, we bless You for all You have endured, with joy, in order to bring us as trophies of grace to our Father in heaven. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for the men and women who willingly, and trustingly serve Jesus, enduing hardships and persecutions in sacrificial service to Jesus. Mighty God, teach us to pray more. To pray for those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we ourselves may be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we will serve with joy, and that such joy will be a beacon of light, drawing others close enough so that they too behold the beauty and splendour Jesus, our Lord and King. Amen.
 
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